Musk’s DOGE Access to Govt Systems Faces Judicial Review 

United States: On Friday, two federal judges will decide whether Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), can access Treasury Department payment systems and sensitive data from U.S. health, consumer protection, and labor agencies. 

Legal Battle Over Data Access 

Following Republican Donald Trump’s presidential victory last month, Elon Musk was appointed to lead DOGE, tasked with reducing government spending. However, Democratic state attorneys general argue that DOGE lacks proper authorization to access payment systems containing private information of millions of Americans, as reported by Reuters. 

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan will rule on a request to extend a temporary block on DOGE’s access. The states argue that allowing DOGE access could endanger federal funding for health centers, preschools, and climate programs, and warn that the information could be politically exploited by Trump. 

Security Concerns and Union Objections 

In Washington, Judge John Bates will hear arguments from labor unions seeking to prevent DOGE from accessing classified information in databases managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Labor Department, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

Last week, Bates sided with the Trump administration by denying a similar request. However, the unions have revised their legal arguments and are attempting again to block DOGE’s access. 

Constitutional Challenge and Broader Implications 

A separate lawsuit filed by another group of Democratic attorneys general claims Musk’s appointment as head of DOGE is unconstitutional. They are seeking a federal court order in Washington to prevent Musk from accessing government data, canceling contracts, and making executive decisions. 

Political Tensions and Policy Changes 

Musk and supporters of Trump administration policies have advocated for judicial impeachments because of the continuous legal challenges which the president has encountered. The president has made a commitment to follow court decisions despite facing multiple legal challenges, as reported by Reuters. 

Meanwhile, the administration continues with mass layoffs and cuts to international aid programs, focusing mainly on initiatives opposed by right-wing groups. 

Awaiting Critical Court Decisions 

These court rulings will be crucial in determining DOGE’s authority and could significantly affect data security, privacy policies, and federal funding across U.S. agencies.